Ilya and Emilia Kabakov Discuss Irony, Russian Art, and International Identity in 2009 Interview

In a 2009 conversation with Katarzyna Bojarska for ARTMargins Online, artists Ilya and Emilia Kabakov shared insights into their artistic beliefs. Ilya, recognized as a prominent member of Moscow's conceptualist scene and honored as one of ArtNews's "ten greatest living artists" in 2000, has worked alongside Emilia since 1989. Their diverse body of work frequently draws from Soviet visual culture. They highlighted their installation "What We Shall See After Death" at Atlas Sztuki, showcasing elements of humor and self-irony. The Kabakovs expressed concerns about the aggressive nature and media-centric focus of contemporary Russian art, positioning themselves as international artists. They also discussed total installations, often misinterpreted in Russia, and emphasized the importance of literature in art, citing Gogol, Dostoevsky, and Chekhov.